Glossop-based charity Reuben’s Retreat has released two brand new books inspired by Reuben Graham and his family.

The two new books are aimed at families with bereaved siblings and will act as part of the support facility that Reuben’s Retreat offers to families in need of help during the most difficult of times.

Mums Catherine Whitmore and Victoria Trundle, who are local authors, voluntarily wrote the books, creating a book that will help countless children who have not only tragically lost siblings, but that will also help them deal with all aspects of loss.

Catherine’s book is entitled Reuben’s Rainbow and is illustrated by renowned children’s illustrator Heather Dickinson and Victoria’s book, Reu the Gnu, has been the inspiration for the charity’s mascot.

Reuben’s Retreat was set up by parents Nicola and Mike Graham, following the sad loss of their son Reuben Graham aged 23 months in August 2012.

The family were determined that Reuben’s death would not be in vain and wanted to create a place where other families who had lost a child, or who have a child with life-threatening illnesses, can relax, recharge, remember and start to rebuild their lives.

Nicola Graham – founder of Reuben’s Retreat, and friend of Catherine and Victoria – said: “Losing a child is without doubt the most incomprehensible and devastating thing that a person could go through and, in the majority of times, parents like us need to also support their other children through their bereavement journey.

“Isaac, our eldest child and Reuben’s beloved brother, constantly amazes us with his strength but he speaks about his brother every day and it is with the help of people like Catherine, Heather and Victoria that we can help children like him navigate the scary, unknown world that they experience when losing a loved one.

“We are forever grateful to these talented ladies who have gifted us these books which will become a legacy of our charity.

“Not only are these books a huge help for bereaved families but the engaging words and whimsical illustrations engage children of all ages and will, we hope, help them to understand and work through any period of loss.”

Both Reuben’s Rainbow and Reu the Gnu are priced at £7.00 and £8.00 respectively.